African Fusion July-August 2024

SAIW bulletin board

SAIW enhances nuclear standards in Africa since minor inaccuracies can lead to significant issues. Our goal is to ensure that professionals are equipped with the necessary skills to maintain the highest safety standards.”

T he recent announcement that South Africa’s Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will unveil details of a new 2 500 MW nuclear power plant by August 2024, means skills and safety standards around South Africa’s nuclear industry are more important than ever. In line with this, the SAIW is powering ahead with its collaboration with the IAEA and Necsa. Facilitated by the Department of Energy, this initiative is in the process of establishing a Nuclear School of Excellence within the Necsa Learning Academy to introduce advanced welding and inspec tion skills to bolster the continent’s nuclear sector. The School of Excellence is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2025 and will offer a range of specialised courses focus ing on welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) for the nuclear sector, nuclear safety, precision measurement and consultancy services. SAIW Personnel Qualification Certifica tion Manager, Harold Jansen explains: “Precision in the nuclear field is a non negotiable and accuracy down to microns is crucial for safety and operational efficiency T he SAIW is set to revolutionise the local manufacturing sector with the introduction of laser welding training. This initiative stems from the increasing popu larity of laser welding over the past three years, with fabricators and manufacturers realising the benefits of this value-adding alternative to conventional welding. SAIW Technical and Practical Welding Manager, Confidence Lekoane, explains, “This initiative is in response to the grow ing interest in laser welding technol ogy amongst our members, particularly to avoid the costs associated with distortion when welding thin-gauge material using conventional welding equipment. “The market needs qualified laser welders, and the SAIW has the facilities to provide the necessary training. Therefore, we plan to run the laser welding course to enable both employed and unemployed individuals to become qualified laser welders. The course can also be tailored to accommodate welders in other industries as demand grows.” To ensure it provides the latest laser equipment, the SAIW is in talks with various industry experts and suppliers, including

Necsa Learning Academy Man ager Clive Mokoena also empha sises the strategic importance of the School of Excellence, as it will ensure a continuous supply and development of the much needed Nuclear Skills for the 2.5 GW nuclear

Facilitated by the Department of Energy, the SAIW is powering ahead with its collaboration with the IAEA and Necsa to establishing a Nuclear School of Excellence within the Necsa Learning Academy.

power plant and the multipurpose research reactor being planned for South Africa. One of the key training techniques to be introduced is Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD), an ultrasonic method that provides exceptional accuracy for inspecting plate and pipe welds. This technique, along with phased array training, will be formally in troduced in South Africa, with Level 1 and 2 courses led by industry specialists such as Colin Bird, Ray Turner and Neil Harrap. “We are committed to making these advanced training techniques accessible, and the IAEA sponsored national project allows these courses to be presented at no Factory Smart. Key Accounts Manager John-Owen Welgemoed outlines the ad vantages of this emerging technology in welding circles: “Laser welding technology has the potential to revolutionise engineer ing applications as it is an inexpensive alter native to conventional welding techniques. “Other benefits of laser welding include neater, safer, and faster production at a reduced cost. Additionally, local small businesses could benefit from this cost effective, easy-to-use, portable, and single phase power, plug-in system that allows welding anywhere.” Laser welding also provides a cooler and cleaner weld and allows operators to weld three to four times faster than with MIG or TIG processes. The heat-affected zone is much smaller, resulting in little to no distortion. In addition, there is far less splatter and fume, and the radiation output is far lower compared to MIG or TIG welding, making it safer to operate. Accuracy and strength are also enhanced, as the laser method achieves a good, clean and smooth weld, 99% of the time, reducing the need for refinishing, such as grinding and polishing.

cost to the students – apart from logistical expenses related to travel and accommo dation. Since space is limited, only the ten best applicants can be accommodated during 2024 for either the Level 1 UT PA/ ToFD or the Level 2 UT PA/ToFD courses,” notes Jansen. This collaboration between NECSA and SAIW will also target female participants holding UT Level 1 or Level 2 ISO 9712 certification in ultrasonic testing with the opportunity for unsuccessful applicants to consider a second intake scheduled for 2025. harold.jansen@saiw.co.za Laser welds are also exceptionally strong, as the laser beam safely penetrates deep into the welded product, giving the welder more control since the line of sight is not obstructed by the full-face mask typi cally needed for protection against arc eyes and harmful fumes. To further aid with the development of this technology, the SAIW is in discussions to host an in-depth laser welding seminar in association with the Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) and other industry experts later this year. training@saiw.co.za

SAIW to introduce laser welding training

SAIW is set to revolutionise the local manufacturing sector with the introduction of laser welding training.

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July-August 2024

AFRICAN FUSION